Celebrity foodies run into each other at show

Published 5:12 pm, Monday, September 17, 2012

Jacques Pépin had Paula Deen in stitches when the two ran into each other at Reliant Center. The topics of conversation reportedly included weight loss and fried chicken.

Jacques Pépin had Paula Deen in stitches when the two ran into each other at Reliant Center. The topics of conversation reportedly included weight loss and fried chicken.

Photo: Nick De La Torre

Celebrity foodies run into each other at show

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Cooking legend Jacques Pépin was on his way to inspect his food prep area, and Paula Deen was just emerging from the "green room" on her way to greet fans when the two had a semi-arranged/semi-organic moment at Reliant Center Sunday.

In Houston for the MetroCooking Houston show, the pair were booked with cooking demos, book signings and VIP sessions during the two-day event presented by the Houston Chronicle.

Pépin and his daughter Claudine Pépin had hoped to surprise Deen during her VIP meet-and-greet where about 100 people had paid big bucks to meet the Food Network diva. When he arrived in the VIP room, Deen's waiting fans were appreciative. But the Pépins had to move on down the hall without greeting Deen because their own Celebrity Theater cooking demo was coming up, and they wanted "to make sure the chicken was really there."

That's when the door to Deen's get-ready room swung open. Her Havanese puppy, Lulu - the cutest scene-stealer you'll ever meet - came running out, followed by Deen and her husband, Michael Groover.

The Deen-Groovers and the Pépins spent a few minutes getting photos taken and swapping stories about weight loss and fried chicken, among other topics. All the while, Lulu was running around the massive hallway, soaking up the love from handlers, media and passers-by.

As the Pépins entered the show's main door, they quickly drew the attention of fans who were sampling rubs, fudge and food products of all sorts.

Pausing at the Chronicle's Style Lounge, they graciously posed for photos with fans in the area and even a couple of Houston's own rock-star chefs, Michael and David Cordúa.